Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

March 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS3606

LOCATION

الفقيع, Faqee’, Idlib, Syria

The children Mariam, Fatima, Abdullah and Islam al Mer’e, IDP’s from Al Traimsa village in Hama, were killed alongside their father Ismail while their mother was injured in what was believed to be a Russian airstrike on their house in Al Faqee in Idlib, according to local media. The airstrike was reportedly conducted after midnight

Summary

First published
March 21, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(2–4 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS645

LOCATION

نوى, Nawa, Daraa, Syria

Five to seven civilians died in a strike on Nawa, according to local sources – though only one source blamed Russia while the other suggested that artillery may have been responsible for the death of one of the victims. Dara Martyrs named six victims. The VDC also named one victim.  

Summary

First published
February 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(1 child1–6 men)
Civilians reported injured
1–6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS677

LOCATION

دير العصافير, Deir Al Assafir, Damascus, Syria

Between five and seven civilians – including medics – died in an alleged Russian airstrike on a hospital in Deir Al Assafir, according to local sources. Abu Ksem Deir Al Assafir published a video which reportedly showed the aftermath of a strike on a “medical hospital in Deir Al Assafir”. According to Syrian Human Rights

Summary

First published
February 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS902

LOCATION

كفر حلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and seven civilians died in an airstrike on Kafr Halab, according to local sources. The majority of reports attributed the incident to Russia, however, two said that this was the work of the Syrian regime. Accordng to @ShahbaPress – who pointed towards Russia – two children were included in the dead. However, @syriahadath and @QasiounNewsAR blamed

Summary

First published
June 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(1–6 children)
Civilians reported injured
8–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS1337

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and seven civilians died and up to 40 were wounded in airstrikes in the Al Karab neighbourhood of Al Atareb outside Aleppo, according to local media. While most sources blamed Russia, there was also an allegation against the Syrian regime. LCCSY wrote that “the correspondent counted five civilians were killed when Russian warplanes

Summary

First published
September 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
22–40
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1369

LOCATION

الهلّك, al Halak, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and seven civilians died in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strikes on Aleppo’s Al Halak neighbourhood, according to local media. Syrian Press Center reported both strikes by the regime and Russia: “The regime army positioned in al-Midan area targeted residential houses in the al-Hallak district on Saturday [Sept 30th] with

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
(3 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS1993

LOCATION

جسر الشغور , Jisir Al Shoghour, Idlib, Syria

Between two and seven civilians including two women died in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on the residential neighbourhoods of Jisr Al-Shoghour, according to local sources. A further eight civilians , including four women, were allegedly injured. Baladi, Alaraby and Sdusyria put the death toll at three civilians. IkhwanSyria put the death toll still higher, at seven civilians

Summary

First published
March 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2362

LOCATION

الجاير , Al-Jaber/Al-Jayer/Albu Jabir , Raqqa, Syria

Six or seven civilians (six of whom were named by local media) died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al-Jaber, according to sources on the ground. Different reports named the location of the event as either Al-Jaber, Al-Jayer or Albu Jabir, however, it’s Airwars’ understanding that these names all signify the same place, and that the name

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 7
(1 woman4 men)
Civilians reported injured
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2774

LOCATION

الطواطحة, Tawatha, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between five and seven civilians were killed on airstrikes which struck Tawatha water crossing, according to local media. Almost all sources blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes, with others not attributing blame to a belligerent, but reporting on “warplanes” having been sighted. Media reported that “two SU-25 fighters” were sighted in the vicinity. Marsad Al

Summary

First published
December 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(0–1 women5 men)
Civilians reported injured
14
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS174

LOCATION

البوليل, Al Buliyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Seven civilians including two women and one child were reported killed in an airstrike on Al Buliyal. While most sources blamed Russia, the Damascus Centre said that both regime attacks and Russian aircraft were responsible. VDC later named five victims. An additional male civilian fatality, the husband of Amira Muheisen al-Elkeh, has been died. Moreover,

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1 child2 women4 men)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 23, 2015

Incident Code

RS304

LOCATION

حي العمال, Al Oummal (Deir ez-Zor), Deir Ezzor, Syria

Seven civilians including one child and five people from the same family were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Oummal, according to Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently and the Violations Documentation Center. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that Russian raids killed five members of the Wais al-Saleh family.    

Summary

First published
December 23, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1 child6 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS496

LOCATION

الصالحية, Al Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In a second day of alleged Russian strikes on the town, up to nine civilians including two children and one woman were killed at Al Salhiya, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights put the death toll at seven, including two children and one woman.  

Summary

First published
January 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(2 children1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1251

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and seven civilians including three children and a woman died in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Naha, according to local media. The source Shahed-ayan reported that there had been five raids on the town. The minimum death count of four civilians – three children and a woman – was given by Alamawi and

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
(3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1348

LOCATION

Al Maysar, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and seven civilians were reportedly killed in Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the Al Maysar neighbourhood of Aleppo. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that the strikes were conducted by the Syrian regime: “At least four victims died in government helicopters dropping barrel bombs on Al Maysar neighbourhood in Aleppo city.”

Summary

First published
September 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
4–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1670

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and seven civilians were reportedly killed by airstrikes in the city of Kafr Naha, Aleppo. Several civilians were also reportedly wounded. Shahed_Alep reported that there were “,artyrs and wounded as a result of the targeting by warplanes of a popular market in the town of Kafrnaha in the western countryside of Aleppo.” The

Summary

First published
November 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

June 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2266

LOCATION

طيبة, Tayba, Homs, Syria

Local sources reported the ‘Bazaar’ market of Tayba in rural Homs to be struck by an airstrike, likely to be Russian. The airstrike reportedly killed seven civilians and wounded “dozens” more. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
June 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3076

LOCATION

الشيفونية, Al Shifonya, Damascus, Syria

Up to seven civilians, allegedly five from the same family, were killed and several were left wounded Russian and/or Assad forces struck Al Shifonya, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, local media reported. The intense shelling of eastern Ghouta continued on Friday, February 23rd, including in Al Shifonya. Here, the strikes struck residential areas, and Douma Revolution reported that

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 9, 2018

Incident Code

RS3209

LOCATION

جسرين, Jisreen, Damascus, Syria

Between five and seven civilians including a child were killed and dozens more were wounded in multiple air and artillery strikes on Jisreen, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. High-explosive missiles were used in conjunction with cluster bombs with as many as 13 raids on the residential neighbourhood

Summary

First published
March 9, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(1 child6 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2017

Incident Code

RS1940

LOCATION

الدانا, al-Dana, Idlib, Syria

Up to seven civilians, including children and women, were killed and “dozens” more were wounded as al-Dana, Idlib, in three airstrikes, carried out by Russia or the Syrian regime, local media reported. Three men from the same family were reportedly among the victims. Multiple sources added that one or two children and several women were

Summary

First published
March 4, 2017
Last updated
January 31, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(1–2 children2 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Exact location (via Airwars)
View Incident

Incident date

December 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS294

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

At least six civilians including one woman and two children from the same family were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on the food stores of A’dala, a relief organisation in Al Ghouta, according to reports. Significant food stores were targeted and destroyed and around 70 sheep slain.    

Summary

First published
December 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 7
(2 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS422

LOCATION

الحسينية, Hussainiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between four and seven civilians including one to two children were killed and dozens more injured in alleged Russian strikes on the village of Hussainiya, according to multiple sources. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that four non-combatants died when Russian aviation struck the village with cluster bombs. They said that the warplanes targeted “the house of Talal

Summary

First published
January 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
(1–2 children3 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3415

LOCATION

شارع عطا الزين في مخيم اليرموك, Ata Al Zein street in Al Yarmouk refugee camp, Damascus, Syria

Up to seven civilians including a woman and her husband were reported killed in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime forces airstrikes on Al Yarmouk camp in Damascus, Syria on April 24th, 2018 according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that “six civilians, including three women were killed as Syrian/Russian warplanes

Summary

First published
April 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(1–3 women)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS839

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to seven civilians died in an air or artillery strike on Salheen, according to local reports – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. The Shaam News Network reported on alleged Russian raids with warplanes and helicopters across Aleppo and its surrounding countryside. It said that this

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

October 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1500

LOCATION

كفرتخاريم, Kafr Takharim, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that up to seven civilians – six of whom were named – including children and women died and dozens more were wounded in night-time airstrikes on Kafr Tkharim. The strikes reportedly hit a council building and a sports center. The majority of sources attributed this casualty event to Russia, though one report

Summary

First published
October 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 7
(3 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
20–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS1909

LOCATION

نصيب , Nasib, Daraa, Syria

Up to seven civilians – of whom four were named – died and as many as eight others were wounded in an air or artillery strike on Nasib, according to local media. While most sources blamed Russia, there were also several allegations against the Assad regime. According to Ara, “Russian warplanes targeted the vicinity of

Summary

First published
February 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
(2 children1–3 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2166

LOCATION

بسنقول, Bsanqoul, Idlib, Syria

Seven civilians were killed and others injured in an alleged Russian airstrike in Bsanqoul, according to local media sources. Both Halab Today and AMC Aleppo reported that seven civilians had been killed, but neither positively identified a belligerent. All other known sources attributed responsibility to Russia, but did not provide a death toll – they

Summary

First published
April 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
4–12
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2017

Incident Code

RS2679

LOCATION

الجلاء, Al-Jalaa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Six to seven civilians were killed – including three children and a woman – following airstrikes on Al-Jalaa, according to local media. Some sources blamed Russia, while the other did not attribute blame. Four out of the six civilians killed were reportedly from one family, however, Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “6 civilians

Summary

First published
November 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 7
(3 children1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1252

LOCATION

حي الصالحين, Salheen (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to seven civilians died and as many as 22 more were wounded in an airstrike on Salheen, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work or Russia or the Syrian regime. Baladi, Halab Today and LCCSY blamed Russia. The lowest death toll – of one –

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
Civilians reported injured
10–22
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2017

Incident Code

RS1833

LOCATION

جبل الاربعين, Jabal Al-Arba'een, Idlib, Syria

A leader of the Islamic Party of Turkmenistan (jihadist group) was killed following an alleged Russian raid on a residential building he was occupying. Four of his children and three women were also reportedly killed in the raid. Additionally, in what became a double raid, 20 members of the civil defence were injured in a second raid whilst

Summary

First published
January 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(4 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS1912

LOCATION

حي تشرينشارع الحافظ , al Hafez street, Tishreen neighbourhood, eastern Damascus, Damascus, Syria

In what was largely reported as a regime attack, seven civilians including up to two children and two women died in an airstrike on al Hafez street, in Damascus’ Tishreen neighbourhood. On February 20th, the Step News Agency reported: “Assad’s regime continued its military campaign on the eastern neighborhoods in the capital Damascus for the

Summary

First published
February 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1–2 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident